In this episode, Michelle tells the story of Emily’s backpack—a small moment that opens up a much larger question about learning. When a student loses access to their usual comforts, what actually happens? Through a morning meltdown, natural consequences, and honest reflection, this episode explores how our well-intentioned supports can sometimes prevent growth. A conversation about failure, scaffolding, and the courage it takes to let students struggle just enough to learn.

If this conversation stirred something for you, consider sharing it with a colleague or friend who lives in this work alongside you. Michelle would love to hear what questions, resistance, or insight it sparked.

Connect with Michelle on Instagram: @dearmrsroundy

What do we really hear when a student asks, “Is this graded?” Or, “How many points is this worth?”

In this episode of The Elephant and the Teacher, Michelle explores the deeper meaning behind these familiar classroom questions and why our responses matter more than we think. She shares how you can build resourcefulness and give students more ownership of their learning without abandoning accountability.

You’ll leave this episode with:

• A new lens for interpreting common student questions

• Practical language that supports agency and resourcefulness

• Reflection prompts to examine where we may unintentionally reduce student ownership

• Permission to let go of control in service of deeper learning

If this conversation stirred something for you, consider sharing it with a colleague or friend who lives in this work alongside you. Michelle would love to hear what questions, resistance, or insight it sparked for you.

Connect with Michelle on Instagram: @dearmrsroundy

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Dakota - Michelle’s brand strategist, interview host, and friend - sits down with Michelle Roundy, the 2026 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, for an honest and uplifting conversation.

Michelle shares her unexpected journey to becoming a teacher at age 40, and reflects on how her long daily commute through the Snake River Canyon became sacred creative space. She opens up about the vulnerability she brings to the classroom, the reality behind the Teacher of the Year spotlight, and how she balances a full and beautiful life as a mother, instructional coach, podcast host, and animal lover.

Together, they explore:

• Why Michelle almost didn’t become a teacher

• How vulnerability and authenticity shape her teaching and leadership

• The unique challenges and gifts of being recognized as Teacher of the Year

• And the story behind how this podcast got its name

This episode is a warm, real, and deeply human conversation about the sacredness of everyday moments and the courage to follow what lights you up.

LINKS:

Follow Michelle on Instagram: @dearmrsroundy

Follow Dakota on Instagram: @thedakotahunt

A Book Michelle is Loving: North Woods: A Novel by Daniel Mason

A Podcast Michelle is Loving: The Jefferson Fisher Podcast

The Elephant and the Teacher is a podcast for anyone who believes that teaching - and leading - begins with the human work.

You’ll hear reflections from real classrooms, experiments in teacher lead professional learning and leadership thinking rooted in thoughtful self-work instead of compliance. You’ll also hear old stories - myths, fairy tales, history - not as nostalgia, but as mirrors for the work of growing humans.

Whether you are in the classroom, guiding systems, raising children, or simply trying to understand what it actually takes to learn and change - this podcast invites you into an honest, unguarded, human conversation about the work that shapes us.

Follow Michelle on Instagram @dearmrsroundy.